>> Teen drug addiction - a success story

I watched my son transform from a loving, sweet teenager into someone I didn’t know. He was out-of-control, addicted to drugs, and breaking the law. My husband and I tried everything we could think of to help him, including having him arrested. Nothing worked. I kept telling myself that he would get better, but he didn’t. I was scared to death, knowing that he was on a track for jail, maybe even death. After talking to other parents who had a similar experience with a teen, and researching various options, I sent him to a rehab program. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Almost immediately, I was able to sleep soundly again, knowing where my son was and who he was with.

My advice for parents who may be going through something similar with their teen is to not be in denial. Don’t bury your head in the sand and act as if nothing is wrong. Bad things can happen to good families. I sat in the same support group with doctors, dentists, policeman and ministers. Find a support group in your community and talk to parents like myself who have been through this type of problem.

My son is 18 now, clean and sober, attending college full-time, working 30 hours a week, and playing on a college sports team. Even more importantly, he knows who he is, what he wants out of life, and what he doesn’t want. The rehab program not only helped him deal with his addiction, but it taught him some incredible life skills that he will use throughout his adulthood. I hope other teens and parents can relate to our story and know that there is help. You just have to ask for it.

Anonymous